Whitchurch Alport recorded their first ever FA Cup victory with an impressive away performance at Coventry Sphinx thanks to a single goal in the second half from Lee Pickerill.
 
Up to 80 fans made the journey from Shropshire to support Luke Goddard`s side on yet another historic day for the football club and they certainly weren’t disappointed. Despite a couple of injuries the strength in depth of the squad was evident as Alport stuck to their game plan to progress into the next round.
 
The match started brightly for the visitors with Matty Ashbrook a constant thorn in the Sphinx defence for much of the first half. Skipper Simon Everall curled a shot wide after 20 minutes as Alport looked to take advantage early on. Shortly after Alex Hughes and Ashbrook swung at chances inside the 18 yard box. At the other end Coventry continued to look dangerous from set pieces and a long throw but Dave Parton was on hand to deal with the threats with a well marshalled defence in front led by Darren Campion and Joe Minshall.
The first half came to an end with the score goalless and an ultra competitive half from both sides. HT 0-0
 
Into the second half and the home side went close with a free kick that went just over Parton`s crossbar. A golden chance then went a miss when substitute Tim Sanders delivered superbly well from a free kick on the left hand side, Everall glanced goalwards with the Sphinx goalkeeper beat, the onrushing Sean Griffiths failed narrowly to make contact as the ball somehow was cleared at the far post. However the goal arrived shortly after as full back Pickerill surged forward from the half way line, he weaved past a couple of defenders into the 18 yard box before finishing smartly into the far corner to send Alport and the Red Army into celebration.
 
The final fifteen minutes Coventry chucked everything they could at Alport in an attempt to pinch the equaliser to earn themselves a replay. Parton produced a couple of fantastic saves in the latter stages, firstly from another free kick and then from a drilled shot across his goal that bounced awkwardly in front of the Alport number one. Arron Johns found Everall on the break who lashed a wonderful volley from 35 yards that went inches wide of the post. The Alport defence continued to remain strong despite not being able to extend their lead and the referee bought the game to a close after five minutes added time. FT 0-1
 
Manager Luke Goddard thoughts:
 
“If we could’ve scripted out today then that will have been it, the lads listened and believed in what we had told them in preparation for the game and they deservedly got their rewards. These are tough games and Midlands football is far more physical than what we are used to in our own league so they knew they had to match that this afternoon. Defensively we were strong and on the reverse we looked a threat every time we went forward, if anything I’m disappointed we only scored the one as we could’ve really killed the game off which would’ve made for an easier final period. However they’ve all gave everything out there today and ultimately its knock out football so we are delighted as a group.
 
Obviously I cannot thank the supporters enough for their outstanding support yet again. This small sleeping town is now no more, the connection between everyone and its football club is extremely powerful. It really is the gift that keeps on giving and today is a further memory we can saviour because trust me in football you have to cherish the good times, so thankyou and we look forward to another FA Cup match in two weeks time”